Beverage container and lid system and method

ABSTRACT

A system and associated method include a container having a top opening and a sidewall surface, and a lid configured to removably seal the top opening, where the lid is configured to removably attach via a friction fit to an opening or other formed holder in the sidewall surface. The holder may include one or more detents to facilitate the friction fit.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to drinking containers, pourable solid (sugar, granules, powders) containers, chemical containers, detergent containers, multi-serve containers, and more particularly to bottle caps, and bottles.

Plastic or composite bottle caps, pressed removably into plastic bottles. The bottles may contain beverages during shipping. Where desired, a cap may be designed so that a user may reattach (e.g., screw back on) the cap to the container opening in between sips of the beverage or while in use of the container if it were to be for non-beverage content (e.g., oil containers, chemical containers, detergent containers, multi-serve containers). Once the cap is removed from the mouth of the container, a user must take care to secure the cap and traditionally holds the cap in their hand or sets it on a surface with hopes it will not get dropped so it does not become soiled or lost.

SUMMARY

According to a particularly embodiment, a system and associated method include a container having a top opening and a sidewall surface, and a lid configured to removably seal the top opening, where the lid is configured to removably attach via a friction fit to an opening or other formed holder in the sidewall surface. The holder may include one or more detents to facilitate the friction fit.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus includes a container having a top opening and a sidewall surface and a lid configured to removably seal the top opening, where the lid is configured to attach to the sidewall surface.

According to another particular embodiment, a lid includes a fastening mechanism configured to removably attach to a sidewall of a container, wherein the lid additionally includes a surface to seal the beverage container when not attached to the sidewall.

According to another particular embodiment, a method of manufacture includes manufacturing a container having a top opening and a sidewall surface and a lid configured to removably seal the top opening, where the lid is configured to attach to the sidewall surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a system that includes an opening in a bottle into which a bottle cap has been temporarily secured when the cap is moved past detents and snapped or otherwise secured behind three back detents. In this manner, a firm hold may be formed as the cap is now firmed up against the side walls, the floor of the form, and behind the three detents. As with other embodiments shown herein, other designs may have multiple, single, or no detents.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a bottle system, which similar to the system of FIG. 1 , includes an opening for a cap;

FIG. 3 shows another perspective view of a system, similar to that shown in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 shows another perspective view of a system that includes detents in an opening;

FIG. 5 shows a right-side up perspective of a system that includes four detents;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bottle system that shows a cap positioned and wedged using detents;

FIG. 7 shows a cutaway view of another embodiment of a system having detents;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an opening in a bottle system that may not include detents;

FIG. 9 shows a system configured in an upside down orientation, where the system may not include detents;

FIG. 10 is a side, perspective view of a bottle system having a cap inserted and temporarily secured within a cutout, or opening, where the system may not include detents;

FIG. 11 shows another perspective view of a bottle system having a cap inserted and temporarily secured within an opening;

FIG. 12 shows a bottle system having an opening formed into a bottle;

FIG. 13 shows a side perspective view of a bottle system that includes an opening;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a beverage container system that includes beverage container and a cap, or container lid;

FIG. 15 shows a blown-up perspective, top view of a system that includes a cap that has been attached to a sidewall of a beverage container;

FIG. 16 shows a blown-up perspective, bottom view of a system that includes a cap that has been attached to a sidewall surface of a beverage container;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a system that includes a container having an opening configured to fit a flap or other protrusion of a container lid;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a system, similar or identical to the system of FIG. 17 , having a container lid attached to a container 1804 while a user drinks from the container;

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of two container lids;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a container lid that might be attached to a bottle;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a container lid that might be attached to a sidewall of a bottle;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a system having a container lid configured to attach to a container;

FIG. 23 is a perspective of a system 2300 that includes a container lid 2302 placed in an attached position on a sidewall/label of a bottle;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a system that includes an onset attached to a label or other surface of a beverage container;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a system that includes a container having a vertically oriented opening with a container lid inserted into the opening;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a system that includes a container having a vertically oriented opening positioned along a curvature of the container with the container lid inserted into the opening; and

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a beverage container and lid system, such as the systems described in several of the system discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the system may include a container lid that seals contents inside of a container until the lid is removed and attached to a sidewall of a container. In the case of a beverage container, a user may be provided with a location on a bottle to secure a cap other than the mouth of the container. After initially removing the lid from the mouth of the container, the user may attach the lid to the side of the container while sipping from the bottle to drink, or while using the container for other purposes based on the contents and their purpose. For example, the lid of a cooking oil container would be secured to the container while the user is pouring its contents for cooking. According to an embodiment of the system, the lid may attach to the sidewall of the container more easily than being reattached (e.g., screwed back on to the mouth of the container).

A user may no longer need to hold a drink in one hand and a cap in the other hand. The container lid is less likely to be set on a contaminated surface where it may be dropped or knocked to a floor. In addition to sanitary considerations, the attachment of the lid to a sidewall of the container may lead to greater safety, such as when a user is operating a vehicle or holding the hand of a child. Affixing the cap to the bottle (either removably or temporarily) may allow for increased safety as the user multitasks in other activities made now safer because the user has a free hand (e.g., holding the cap). Attaching the cap may provide satisfaction and even a type of play for a user. Fewer misplaced or discarded container lids will decrease pollution (e.g., lids washing up on beaches, or left in parks and along roadsides) and associated harmful environmental effects. Keeping the cap with the container may also ensure that chemicals, detergents, condiments and oils are properly resealed to prevent their contents from excessive spillage or exposure to the environment.

Embodiments of the system may facilitate branding and message advertising. For instance, the system may include a first advertising component on a sidewall (e.g., a label or onset) of the beverage container. A second advertising component may be included on a surface of the container lid. As such, an advertising slogan or design may be completed visually when the lid is attached to the sidewall. In this manner, different messages from different structures may be combined to create a combined design, text or other.

An embodiment includes an opening (e.g., aperture, indentation) configured accommodate and temporarily secure a container top. The securement may include a friction fit. According to an embodiment, the opening may include detents configured to hold the container top in place. The friction fit that is achieved with the top and bottom walls (and in some embodiments any combination of the sidewalls and the top, bottom, and back walls) creating a measure of interference. As explained herein, the detents may include an angled surface to apply force to the container top that is directed towards a back section of the opening.

Another or the same embodiment may include an opening with a lip portion. The lip portion may be thicker than other edges of the opening. The thickness may provide additional surface area to facilitate the friction fit. A thickness, such as may comprise a fold, may increase the strength of the form similar to how more bends in corrugated boxes and steel sheets increases strength. In some implementations, the lip and/or opening may include a drain portion.

According to a particular embodiment, all edges of an opening may be rounded. The rounded edges may be easier to manufacture (e.g., easier removal from a mold). The rounded edges may additionally be less likely to fracture. For example, the rounded edges may be less prone to cracking or other deformation. The rounded edges may share weight so that a corner does not have to bear all of the weight of an impact or other force.

In an implementation, a raised portion, or detent, may be compressible. For instance, a detent may be at least partially hollow. While a protruding lip or detent may be deformable, it may additionally be resilient to substantially pop back into its original form. The thickness of detent material may be comparable or the same as the side of a container. However, other embodiments of detents may feature thinner wall thickness than a thickness of a container.

A detent may be formed at the time of molding the container and may include a projecting or receding contour configured to friction fit a cap. The edgings of a detent may be rounded. The rounded edges may avoid fraction points and clamping, as well as promote strength against pressure. According to an embodiment, as little as five percent of the mass of a cap may be inserted into the cutout portion formed in a container.

Another embodiment may include detents on multiple sides of the opening, to include all sides or any combination of sides. For example, detents may be included on opposing sides of another embodiment. Another embodiment of a bottle may include detents on contiguous sidewalls of an opening. Other embodiments may include bottles that have multiple windows, or openings.

Embodiments of the system are not limited to drinking bottles and screw-on caps. For instance, an embodiment of the system may include a press and seal metal or ceramic cap, in addition to a plastic lid that screws onto a thermos type beverage container. Lids may be constructed from bioengineered materials to biodegrade or otherwise benefit the environment. The container lids of certain embodiments may not be designed for resealing the beverage container. As such, a container lid may be attached to a beverage container sidewall after opening primarily for ease of disposal. A lid container of other embodiments of the system may be attached using a formed compartment in the side of the container that is made to receive the cap right side up or upside down. Other embodiments of a compartment may be oriented at other angles relative to a base of the container. Embodiments may contemplate using at least one of: a friction fit, tape, a strap, a snap, a projection, a hook and loop fastener, a rubber hand, an adhesive, a string, a staple, a screw, a nail, and a hook.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a system that includes an opening 102 in a bottle 104 into which a bottle cap 106 has been temporarily secured. The opening 102 includes detents 108, 110, 112. As shown in further illustrations included herein, more or fewer detents may be present. The detents 108, 110, 112 may comprise raised surfaces of varying shapes and heights. The height of the raised surfaces may vary (e.g., taper) from one end of a detent to another. As with other embodiments, the detents 108, 110, 112 may be rigid, semi-rigid, and/or compressible. The detents 108, 110, 112 may be constructed from the same material as the bottle 104 or may have a different chemical composition.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a bottle system 200, which similar to the system 100 of FIG. 1 , includes an opening 202 for a cap (not shown). The opening 202 includes detents, 204, 206, 208, 210 along a top surface. The detents, 204, 206, 208, 210 may friction fit against the cap when it is wedged against them and the opposite (e.g., bottom) surface of the opening 202.

FIG. 3 shows another perspective view of a system 300, similar to that shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 shows another perspective view of a system 400 that includes detents 402, 402, 406, 408 in an opening 410. While the opening 410 is shown on the side of a bottle, other embodiments may include opening, including multiple openings, on other surfaces, such as the base surface of a bottle.

FIG. 5 shows a right-side up perspective of a system that includes four detents 502. The detents may be pressure fit activators that create a gentle fit by pressing the cap down to the floor of the form. A firm hold is created as the cap is firmed up against the floor of the form and one or more of the detents 502. Other designs may have multiple, single, or no detents. Additionally, the detents of other embodiments may be formed on the opposite surface shown, as well as on the sides of a form.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bottle system 600 that shows a cap 602 positioned and wedged using detents 604, 606, 608, 610. FIG. 7 shows a cutaway view of another embodiment of a system 700 having detents 702. According to the embodiment, an opening may include detents 702 configured to hold the container top in place. The friction fit that is achieved with the top and bottom walls (and in some embodiments any combination of the sidewalls and the top, bottom, and back walls) creating a measure of interference. As explained herein, the detents 702 may include an angled surface to apply force to the container top that is directed towards a back section of the opening.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an opening 802 in a bottle system 800. The opening 802 may be configured to hold a bottle top (not shown). The opening 802 may include no detents, as shown in earlier embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows a system 900 configured in an upside down orientation. The view shows an opening portion 902 without detents. As such, the opening may accommodate a hold a container lid using a friction fit along one or more surfaces of the opening portion 902.

FIG. 10 is a side, perspective view of a bottle system 1000 having a cap 1002 inserted and temporarily secured within a cutout, or opening 1004. The opening 1004 includes no detents in making the friction fit securing the cap 1002.

FIG. 11 shows another perspective view of a bottle system 1100 having a cap 1102 inserted and temporarily secured within an opening 1104. The cap 1102 may be oriented with its open, threaded end facing the top portion of the bottle 1006. The opening 1104 includes no detents in making the friction fit securing the cap 1102.

FIG. 12 shows a bottle system 1200 having an opening 1204 formed into a bottle 1206. The opening 1204 includes detents 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212 that help secure a bottle top 1214 within the opening 1204. The detents 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212 are positioned a sidewall of the opening 1204.

FIG. 13 shows a side perspective view of a bottle system 1300 that includes an opening 1302. In the embodiment the opening is configured accommodate and temporarily secure a container top. The securement may include a friction fit. The opening 1302 also includes a drain, or channel 304, the general concept of which is shown in more detail in other figures included herein. Where one or more edges of the opening 1302 is thicker than other edges, the thicker edge may comprise a lip portion. The thickness may provide additional surface area to facilitate the friction fit. A thickness, such as may comprise a fold, may increase the strength of the form similar to how more bends in corrugated boxes and steel sheets increases strength. In some implementations, the lip and/or opening may include a drain portion.

As with all other embodiments shown herein, the edges of the opening 1302 may be rounded. The rounded edges may be easier to manufacture (e.g., easier removal from a mold). The rounded edges may additionally be less likely to fracture. For example, the rounded edges may be less prone to cracking or other deformation. The rounded edges may share weight so that a corner does not have to bear all of the weight of an impact or other force.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a beverage container system 100 that includes beverage container 1402 and a cap, or container lid 1404. As shown in FIG. 1 , the cap 1404 has been removed from a mouth opening 1406 of the beverage container 1402. In FIG. 1 , the cap 1404 has been attached to a sidewall 1408 of the beverage container 1402.

FIG. 15 shows a blown-up perspective, top view of a system 1500 that includes a cap 1502 that has been attached to a sidewall 1504 of a beverage container 1506. The system 1500 may be similar to the system 14 shown in FIG. 14 . As shown in FIG. 15 , the cap 1502 has been inserted into a window 1508 of the beverage container 1506. A ribbed, or contoured surface 1510 of the window 1508 may facilitate friction fitting a top surface 1512 of the cap 1502.

FIG. 16 shows a blown-up perspective, bottom view of a system 1600 that includes a cap 1602 that has been attached to a sidewall surface of a beverage container 1606. As shown in FIG. 16 , the system 1600 includes a cut-out portion, or window, 1608, into which the cap 1602 has been at least partially inserted. The cutout portion 1608 includes a port 1610 comprising part of a lip portion. The port 1610 may comprise a natural drain that allows moisture to drain out via gravity when attached to the container 1606.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a system 1700 that includes a container 1702 having an opening 1708 configured to fit a flap or other protrusion 1704 of a container lid 1706.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a system 1800, similar or identical to the system 1700 of FIG. 17 , having a container lid 1806 attached to a container 1804 while a user drinks from the container 1804.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of two container lids 1902, 1904. The lid 1902 is shown in an open position such as it might be while attached to a bottle, such as in FIG. 18 . The lid 1904 is shown in a closed positioned, such as it might be for shipping or when the user is drinking the beverage.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a container lid 2000 that might be attached to a bottle. To this end, the container lid 2000 may include a flap 2002 or other projection for insertion into a bottle. As shown in other embodiments a system described herein, a bottle or side surface may include a label or any surface attached or integral with a bottle that is located below a horizontal plan formed by the open mouth of the bottle.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a container lid 2100 that might be attached to a sidewall of a bottle. As shown, the container lid 2100 may include a flap 2102 or other projection for insertion into a slot or other cutout of a bottle.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a system 2200 having a container lid 2202 configured to attach to a container 2204. More particularly, a flap 2206 of the container lid 2202 may attach to an opening 2210 of a label 2208 of the container 2204.

FIG. 23 is a perspective of a system 2300 that includes a container lid 2302 placed in an attached position on a sidewall/label 1004 of a bottle 1006. The system 2300 of FIG. 23 may be similar or identical to the system 2200 of FIG. 22 .

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a system 2400 that includes an onset 2402 attached to a label or other surface 2404 of a beverage container 2405. The onset 2402 is configured to accept a projection 2406 from a cap 2408 so as to attach the cap 2408 to the sidewall 2404 of the beverage container 2405. The onset 2402 may include promotional text, images, or other messages.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a system 2500 that includes a container 2502 having an opening 2504 with a container lid 2506 inserted into the opening 2504. The lid 2506 is oriented vertically with respect to a base 2508 of the container 2502, and along a contoured portion 2510 of the container 2502.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a system 2600 that includes a container 2602 having an opening 2604 positioned along a contoured portion 2610 of the container 2602. The container lid 2606 may be inserted into the opening 2604. The lid 2606 is oriented vertically with respect to a base 2608 of the container 2602; and

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 2700 of manufacturing a beverage container and lid system, such as the systems described in several of the system discussed herein. At 2502, a beverage container may be manufactured having a top opening and a sidewall surface.

The sidewall surface may be positioned under a plane defined by a top surface of the top opening at 2704.

A label may be placed on the sidewall surface at 2706. As such, the label may comprise part of the sidewall surfaced.

An onset may be placed on the sidewall surface at 2708. As such, the onset may comprise part of the sidewall surfaced.

A cutout portion may be placed on the sidewall surface at 2710. As such, the cutout may comprise part of the sidewall surfaced.

A lid may be formed at 2712. The lid may include a projection or other fastening mechanism configured to attach to the sidewall surface.

In operation, an embodiment of a form used in the manufacture of an embodiment of system may enable a cap to be inserted upside-down or right-side up. In either orientation, the cap may seat into place with the bottle. An embodiment of a system may have points of interaction and friction for an easy latch feature. Forms may allow for easy tooling and strength in order to pass stress and cracking tests and to ensure the shape and structural integrity is maintained under pressure. An insertion point for a cap that includes multiple detents on the top of the form may allow the cap to be temporarily locked into place. Two side detents and a rear detent may be used when the cap is upside down. The inside cap walls may lock in behind the detents. The two side detents and the front detent may be utilized for a friction fit when right side up, and detents in the bottom of the form provide pressure on the cap to hold it in place.

A drain may allow moisture or submerged water from a cooler to drain out naturally. The drain may have other locations on shapes and other embodiments.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

For example, according to a particular embodiment, the system may include a thin and long profile that may pop up a flap or flange after a finger depresses it or pushes it up. This action may not open the bottle. The bottle may remain sealed if the flap is up and on top of the bottle. The system may allow an option for a smooth and snug entrance under a label in a section bubble label designed to receive it. Another embodiment of the system may allow an option for the lid to friction fit into a formed female end in, for instance, a thermoformed plastic bottle.

In a particular embodiment, a system may allow an option for the lid to slide under an adhered onsert (e.g., a sticker) affixed on the bottle. The onsert may be used as a promotional decal on the bottle. A label of the bottle of an embodiment of the system may have a cut-out opening of any size. The bottle may or may not be embossed for ease of insertion. The bottle, itself, may also have engineered locations to encourage the insertion of a flap. Designed entrances into a label may be created via a window, or cut out. An entrance of an embodiment may also be created by sliding a flap or flange under an outside edge of a label. An indentation may be formed in a beverage container under the label so that the insertion is made easier for the cap to slide within. A window may include a cut-out of any shape that allows for a flap, flange, or other surface of a container lid to slide snugly into a label via friction fit into a desired location. A form may be created in a bottle, itself, that is able to house a flap or other projection of the container lid via friction fit.

In the following, reference is made to embodiments presented in this disclosure. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice contemplated embodiments. Furthermore, although embodiments disclosed herein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to “the invention” shall not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s).

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems and methods according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a container having a top opening and a sidewall surface; and a lid configured to removably seal the top opening, wherein the lid is configured to attach to the sidewall surface using at least in part a friction fit.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container includes an opening to facilitate the lid attaching.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the opening includes a detent.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a plurality of edges of the opening are rounded.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the opening includes a lip portion.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a projection configured to attach to the sidewall surface.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container sidewall surface includes an opening formed portion with detents made to receive the cap to accommodate at least a portion of the lid right side up via friction fit between the detents on the roof of the form and the floor of the form.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container sidewall surface includes an opening formed portion to accommodate at least a portion of the lid upside down via interaction from the inside edge wall as the cap moves past the detents and snaps behind the back detents.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the cap is firmed up against the side walls, a floor of the form, and multiple detents.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the opening portion includes a drain portion.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the cutout portion includes a contoured portion to facilitate attachment to the lid.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sidewall surface includes a projection configured to facilitate attachment of the lid.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lid is attached using at least one of: a friction fit, tape, a strap, a snap, a projection, a hook and loop fastener, a rubber hand, an adhesive, a string, a staple, a screw, a nail, a tack, and a hook.
 14. A container lid comprising: a top surface to seal a container; and a fastening mechanism to attach to a sidewall of the container.
 15. The container lid of claim 14, further comprising a threaded inner surface.
 16. The container lid of claim 14, further comprising a projection to facilitate attachment to the sidewall.
 17. A method of manufacturing a container system, the method comprising: forming a container having a top opening and a sidewall surface; and forming a lid configured to removably seal the top opening, wherein the lid is configured to attach to the sidewall surface at least in part via a friction fit.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising positioning the sidewall surface under a plane defined by a top surface of the top opening.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising forming a sidewall opening to accommodate at least a portion of the lid, wherein at least one edge of the sidewall opening is rounded.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the lid attaches removably to the sidewall. 